29 April Ordinary Council Meeting notes

Planning for future growth and meeting community needs at centre of Council budget and plans

From the completion of the Main City Levee Upgrade to work to build infrastructure in the northern growth suburbs, Wagga Wagga City Council’s draft budget for 2019/20 is focused on meeting the needs of a growing community.

The draft combined Delivery Program and Operational Plan (DPOP) 2019/20, along with the draft Long Term Financial Plan 2019-2029 and draft Fees and Charges are on public exhibition, with the community able to read over the documents and share their feedback.

The 2019/20 budget features a total budget of $203.2M, including $129.8M in operating expenditure and $73.4M in capital expenditure commitments. Council has also again committed $2.1M in contributions, grants and donations to the community next financial year.

• RP-7 INTEGRATED PLANNING AND REPORTING - DRAFT LONG TERM FINANCIAL PLAN 2020/29 AND COMBINED DELIVERY PROGRAM AND OPERATIONAL PLAN 2019/20 139

Council joins call for fairer share of funding

Wagga Wagga City Council has joined the Australian Local Government Association’s Fairer Share campaign ahead of the upcoming federal election.

The Fairer Share Campaign aims to make the restoration of the Financial Assistance Grants program a key election issue.

The Financial Assistance Grants program is important federal funding available for local governments for the continued delivery of services and infrastructure.

However, the value of the grants at the national level has declined from an amount equal to around 1 per cent of Commonwealth Taxation Revenue in 1996 to a current figure of around 0.55 per cent.

• MAYORAL MINUTE - FAIRER SHARE CAMPAIGN

Hotel development in CBD approved

Council has tonight approved a 43-room four-storey hotel in the CBD.

The $5.3M development at 81-83 Forsyth Street consists of a ground floor car park and reception area, with the next three floors consisting of 42 hotel rooms and one manager’s residence.

• RP-1 DA18/0284 - 43 ROOM 4 STOREY HOTEL, 81-83 FORSYTH STREET, WAGGA WAGGA, LOT 6 DP 655783 AND LOT 1 DP 936571

Family room to be created in Civic Centre

Council will construct a dedicated small family room in the Civic Centre for parents and caregivers to feed their children in a private, quiet area.

Located on the ground floor across from the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, the space will be accessible for both the public and Council staff.

The dedicated family room will cost $21,000 to construct.

• RP-4 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AS AT 31 MARCH 2019

Council to sponsor Danny Green event

Council will provide $7000 in funding to support the Danny Green ‘Stop the Coward’s Punch’ event being held at the Wagga RSL Club on 19 July.

The campaign highlights the effects of violence on the victim, the perpetrator and their families.

Council’s sponsorship is funded through its Generic Projects Reserve.

• RP-4 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AS AT 31 MARCH 2019

Support for community project in Tarcutta

Council has supported the Hillside House Committee’s proposal of a multipurpose structure in Paddy Osborne Park, Tarcutta.

Staff will assisting in the planning and seeking of grant funding for the project, which would create a shaded space near the playground, a rest venue, a stage for small performances and a way to highlight the history and attractions of Tarcutta.

• RP-9 PADDY OSBORNE PARK TARCUTTA - PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT